Lionel Messi's 'GOAT' tour of India faced a tumultuous reception as fans, fueled by disappointment and frustration, unleashed their anger by ripping up seats and throwing items at the stadium. Thousands of devoted supporters, who had paid a substantial 12,000 rupees (£100; $133) for a glimpse of the football legend, were left disheartened when he emerged, obscured by a large group of officials and celebrities. The situation escalated when security escorted Messi away early, prompting a section of the crowd to turn hostile. West Bengal's chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, expressed deep concern over the incident, which occurred during the 'GOAT tour' in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. The tour began with the unveiling of a 70ft statue of Messi in Kolkata, a monumental feat assembled over 27 days by a dedicated crew of 45. The statue's unveiling was virtual due to security concerns, prompting fans to travel to the stadium, where they chanted, bought jerseys, and wore 'I love Messi' headbands. However, the event took a turn when Messi's appearance was abruptly ended, leading to fans storming the pitch and vandalizing banners and tents. Others hurled plastic chairs and water bottles, reflecting the crowd's frustration. The 2022 World Cup winner, regarded as one of the greatest players in football history, was expected to play a short exhibition game, according to the AFP news agency. A fan's sentiment captured the widespread disappointment: 'Only leaders and actors were surrounding Messi... Why did they call us then... We paid 12,000 rupees, but we couldn't even see his face.' The incident sparked outrage, with one fan expressing the sentiment that people had paid the equivalent of a month's salary to witness the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. 'I paid 5,000 rupees for the ticket and came with my son to watch Messi, not politicians,' the fan told the Press Trust of India. The crowd's anger was further fueled by the presence of police and military personnel taking selfies, which the fan deemed the management's fault. Kolkata, a city with a large football fanbase, witnessed hundreds of thousands of fans gathering at stadiums for local club derbies. The 'Hola Messi' fan zone, a testament to the fans' adoration, features a life-sized replica of Messi, a hall adorned with his trophies, and a recreation of his Miami home with mannequins of the player and his family. The tour's controversy underscores the intense emotions that can arise from a celebrity's public appearance, prompting questions about event management and fan expectations.
